5 Ways to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival This Week

Mid-Autumn Festival without mooncakes would be like Christmas without Christmas cake, but while the iced fruitcake is not to everyone's taste, these small round pastries come in sweet and savory varieties, so you are bound to find a flavor you like. Try them in the opulent setting of a luxury hotel like the Peninsula on the Bund, or track down the nearest Xing Hua Lou (杏花楼), which boasts over 20 flavors, or Zhen Lao Da Fang (真老大房), for some Suzhou-style pork pastries at less than 5RMB each.

Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Moon Festival. Weather permitting, get one of the best views of the night-sky from atop Shanghai’s tallest skyscrapers. Be one of the first to visit the newly-opened observation deck atop the giant Shanghai Tower, or try the views from the 97th floor World Financial Center and 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower.

Stroll along the waterfront and watch the moon rise over the Huangpu River or grab a seat on one of the terraces overlooking it. Alternatively, hop on a boat and sail off into the moonlight!

Take advantage of the long weekend to head out of town. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is only an hour from the city center by bus but feels a world away. The ancient water town provides a picturesque setting to enjoy tea and mooncakes beneath the overhanging lanterns.

Less than an hour from Shanghai by bullet train, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the most famous moon-gazing vistas in China - one even features on the back of the 1RMB note! Hangzhou's lake, temples, pagodas and gardens offer many perfect spots for moonlit contemplation, although parts can get very busy during the festival.